Jack DeVries, a 1953 graduate of Wayland High School, died Thursday, Jan. 28, after an 18-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Jack, born in Dorr on July 17, 1935, had a gregarious personality, both a handful and a heartful. A devoted family man: husband, father and grandfather, he was a self-made entrepreneur whose many accomplishments in the transportation and safety industry can be credited to his vision and determination.
Jack started in the transportation industry as a truck driver in 1964. He ultimately was responsible for establishing three trucking companies from 1982 through 2010.
Throughout the years of leadership in the transportation industry, he was president of the Michigan Transportation Association, as well as the Transportation Clubs of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Battle Creek. Michigan Gov. John Engler appointed him to the Safety Board of the State of Michigan and The Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation in 2000.
Jack also served in the Army National Guard of Michigan (1952-61) and as a deputy in the Kent County Sheriff’s department (1958-64).
He was a member of Rockford Masonic Temple F&AM 245, Valley of Grand Rapids Scottish Rite-32 degree, Saladin Shrine Temple, Battle Creek Shrine Club, Moose Lodge of Marshall #676, Elks Lodge of Battle Creek.
He enjoyed playing the organ and singing in the church choir. His interests included music, woodworking, golf, travel and being in the company of people.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Donella “Dee” DeVries of Holland and his children, Jacqueline Stancil, Marion, IN, Jeffrey DeVries, (Kristin), Rochester Hills, MI and Jamie Martinez (Rudy), Holland MI. He leaves behind six grandchildren, Nicole, Corinne, Monica, Drake, Kaden and Isabella, his mother-in-law, Ella Maurer, Marshall, sisters, Patricia Allen (Dave) Grandville, Sharon Spielmaker (Paul), Byron Center, and Marcia Halloran (Doug), Dorr, and sisters and brothers-in-laws, Karen Gieske (Bill) Battle Creek, Terri McAllister (Bob) Seneca, SC, Rodney Maurer (Marilyn), Brian Maurer, Kyle Maurer (Lauri) all from Marshall, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Hi and Anna DeVries from Dorr, and father-in-law Norman Maurer from Marshall.
Donations are being accepted through Hospice of Holland and/or Alzheimer’s Association.
A private graveside service has been held at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall. A Celebration of Life service for Jack will be announced at a later date.
What a full and accomplished life! Thank you for your service and employing many throughout your life. You are an example of what can be accomplished from humble beginnings and with grit and determination making a great life for you, your family and others.